Branford welcomes the new year with renewed optimism that our business and commercial community will enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2013. Various projects around town indicate that we are well poised to see that reality as an ideal location for new and expanding businesses. The Town also renews its efforts as a "business friendly" community.
Founder's Village is taking shape in the town center. When completed, the new five-acre complex will offer 120 new residential units next to a seven-acre town park and only a block from Branford's historic green and all that offers with restaurants, shops, and events. It also boasts a location that's convenient to both the town's train station and to I-95.
Home and Waterhouse Oyster Bar have joined Branford's family of highly-regarded restaurants, including Assagio's, Darbar India, G-Zen, Le Petite Café, Nellie Greens, Pasta Cosi, and Yooki Yama. These new members of the family have broadened the variety of excellent cuisine found in Branford. The restaurant scene is matched by Branford's unique boutiques such as Coco's-on-the-Green, Possessions, along with active lifestyle and sports stores Trailblazer, Zane's Cycles and Action Sports, all drawing patrons and customers from across the state and northeast.
Durata Pharmaceuticals is in full gear in fitting out its new offices and expects to move in soon to the Rte. 1 facility next to Exit 55 on I-95. The company is expected to generate up to 80 new jobs and is also the recipient of state support for new business development across the state. Also, El Dorado, a Brazilian-based manufacturer, has leased space at the same location for its new U.S. offices.
The U.S. Army continues with its plans for a new 40,000 s/f training facility on 15 acres also along East Main Street. The Army expects to have up to ten full time employees, with more than 130 reservists on site for communications and technology training during weekend deployments. It is the practice of the Army to use area vendors for its various service needs ranging from food service to vehicle repair and maintenance, creating another boost to our local economy.
Meanwhile the town's own infrastructure improvement efforts continue with plans for a new public works facility. This follows the dedication last summer of Branford's new 34,000 s/f fire headquarters on North Main St. and will be another investment in ensuring that Branford's business community has a full range of municipal services that are strong and reliable.
With an enviable location just ten miles east of New Haven and only minutes from I-91, Branford boasts four exits from I-95 onto Rte. 1 and is only 45 miles south of Hartford and Bradley International Airport, an hour from Providence on I-95 and only two hours from the heart of New England - Boston. Without a doubt, Branford is a Sound location.
Branford does double duty as both as a gateway to New England and a portal to New York. As such, Branford plays an integral part in a regional economy (www.rexdevelopment.org) that hosts six major universities, an extensive rail system with Shore Line East, MetroNorth and Amtrak, convenient flights from Tweed New Haven Airport (www.flytweed.com)and international service out of Bradley Airport.
Located on the Long Island Sound with more than 20 miles of shoreline, Branford combines low taxes and a triple-A bond rating with a quality of life and sense of community second to none for a "business friendly" environment. The result is a healthy business climate and a diverse local economy ranging from bioscience and manufacturing to healthcare and boutique retail.
These businesses recognize that Branford offers what every company seeks: one of the lowest tax rates along the I-95 corridor, full municipal services (water, sewer, as well as full time fire and police), a skilled workforce, and convenient transit.
Branford has a building or site for most new or expanding business, particularly in the life science and high tech industries. To find one that meets your needs or to learn more about Branford, go to www.branford-ct.gov or e-mail us at info@branford-ct.gov.
Terence Elton is special projects manager for the Town of Branford, Conn. and serves on the board of directors for CEDAS, the CT Economic Development Association.